Job Description
Description of Organization: River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls, Texas is a twenty-acre, private 501 c(3) non-profit environmental education facility that serves the communities of North Texas and Southeastern Oklahoma. At River Bend Nature Center, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. We educate, inspire, and promote environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences and community engagement. As a non-profit organization, we rely on a collaborative and passionate team to drive our initiatives and make a positive impact on our community and the environment. Plus, River Bend is a fun place to work! Why Join our Team: Healthy Team Environment: We prioritize employee well-being and encourage a balanced work-life dynamic. Inclusive Work Culture: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Professional Development: Ongoing training and learning opportunities to help you grow. Collaborative Spirit: Open communication and mutual support so the team can do its best work. Meaningful Work: Make a tangible difference through conservation-focused education and community programs. Job Overview: The Nature Preschool Assistant plays a key support role in delivering high-quality early childhood programming through outdoor, play-based, nature-focused learning. This position assists the Lead Nature School Teacher/Education Assistant with daily classroom routines, lesson support, activity preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment for preschool-aged children. As a small, collaborative team, Nature Preschool Assistants may also fill in as an Education and Visitor Guide as needed . Responsibilities may shift during a shift based on staffing needs, scheduled programs, and visitor flow. Programming and visitor experience take priority during operating hours. Job Duties: Nature Preschool Classroom Support: Assist with daily instruction, hands-on activities, and nature exploration experiences; support lesson delivery under the direction of the Lead Nature School Teacher/Education Assistant. Safety & supervision outdoors: Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment, supervise children in outdoor settings and varied weather/terrain, and follow health/safety protocols. Prep & learning environment: Prepare materials and set up indoor/outdoor learning spaces; organize supplies and maintain an orderly, welcoming program area. Documentation & family communication: Track attendance, document learning (notes/photos/work samples as applicable), and communicate professionally with families in coordination with leadership. Program quality & growth: Collaborate with the education team to improve the program, support enrollment/retention efforts, and participate in training/professional development. Facility Standards: Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in all preschool and shared spaces; follow “clean as you go” expectations. Education/Visitor Guide Support (as needed): Greet and assist visitors, provide basic exhibit interpretation, answer questions, assist with programs/camps/events, and support a positive visitor experience as assigned. Training: Participate in training sessions and workshops to learn RBNC standards, preschool routines, safety procedures, and educational materials. Record Keeping: Complete required documentation accurately and on time (e.g., attendance records, incident reports, visitor/program notes as required). Other Duties: Perform other duties as directed by RBNC leadership in alignment with RBNC priorities and procedures. Education: High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or relevant experience preferred Experience: Preferred: Experience working with preschool-aged children or in a learning environment such as a school, childcare, camps, babysitting, etc. Required: Demonstrate understanding, patience, receptivity, and a positive attitude toward children, their families, co-workers etc. Preferred: Experience supporting or delivering educational programming beyond the classroom (camps, outreach, field trips, visitor engagement, or interpretive programs). Preferred: Comfortable working with the public and assisting with visitor-facing duties when needed. Skills & Traits: <